Children pulled their blankets closer, while their elders exchanged glances that mixed fear with respect. The animal itself was not always visible, but its presence was felt — in the soft tracks pressed into the sand, in the half-dug burrows with many hidden exits, and in the knowledge that it moved freely between the villages of the living and the silence of the tombs.
To the people who watched it from a distance, the jackal was never only a scavenger. It seemed to know paths others could not see, slipping through places that belonged as much to the dead as to the living.
To the people who watched it from a distance, the jackal was never only a scavenger. It seemed to know paths others could not see, slipping through places that belonged as much to the dead as to the living.
Its endurance in the barren landscape, its voice at night, and its closeness to cemeteries all gave it a weight that turned observation into belief. In time, those beliefs took shape in the figures of gods — guardians, guides, and keepers of the threshold — whose faces bore the long snout and keen ears of the desert wanderer.
In ancient Egypt, an important type of sacred symbols appeared from the beginning of historical times: wolves, foxes, and the jackal. As an essential part of the Egyptian environment, the jackal was an animal that was closely associated with life in the desert. The animal had an exceptional ability to adapt to the harsh desert environment, making it a symbol of resourcefulness and the ability to survive in the most difficult conditions. Therefore, the ancient Egyptians associated it with the idea of survival and wise planning.
The jackal is a carrion eater, and this animal is highly intelligent, as it is considered one of the creatures that live in semi-arid environments, and its yellow color resembles the color of sand, which makes it harmonize with the surrounding environment.
The burrow of this animal is characterized by a unique feature, as it contains more than one door, sometimes reaching about five or six doors, to give it the ability to escape easily if someone tries to hunt it. This form of resourcefulness and intelligence has made the jackal a symbol of strength in the face of environmental challenges.
The ancient Egyptians considered the jackal to be a symbol of intelligence and discernment, as they believed it knew the ways of the afterlife and the entrances and exits of the other world. It was seen as a wise being who understood the secrets of life and death, and knew the paths that humans take after death. In addition, they believed that the jackal possessed the ability to understand the ins and outs of roads in everyday life as well, whether these roads were in the physical world or in the spiritual world. This belief in the jackal made it a symbol of assistance in the transition from this life to the afterlife, which earned it a special place in ancient Egyptian beliefs, where it was portrayed as a guide for souls on the journey from the world of the living to the world of the dead.
Two types or forms of this particular animal appeared to us. The first is the animal called Anubis, which is considered an important symbol in ancient Egyptian beliefs. Anubis is actually a jackal, but it is characterized by two important features. First, he is depicted in a recumbent position, which indicates his connection to the afterlife and the comfort that the deceased must experience after death. The second characteristic is his black color, a color that has been closely associated with mummification and death.
The name Anubis is derived from the ancient Egyptian verb “inpw”, which means “that which helps to decompose” or “that which is associated with black color”. This name is associated with the color of the mummy after the mummification process, as the body turns black due to chemical reactions with the substances used in mummification. The color black had a special significance in Egyptian cultures, as it was considered the color of new life after death. As such, Anubis is the god of mummification and death, symbolizing assistance in the soul's passage to the afterlife.
Ancient Egyptians noticed that after a person died, began the mummification process, and was buried in Natron salt, the deceased's body turned black, a color that was closely associated with death and the passage to the afterlife. This observation led Egyptians to associate this transformation with the god Anubis, who was considered the master of the entrances to the afterlife.
Anubis was the main deity of the priests who specialized in mummification, as the deity was believed to guide the souls during the transition from this life to the afterlife. Therefore, the color black was considered a symbol of mortality, but it also carried a connotation of resurrection and immortality, as it was considered the color of the body after the mummification process.
Anubis became a symbol of the entrance to the other world, and was depicted at the gates of tombs as a recumbent, guardian figure standing at the entrance that separates life from death. This depiction was meant to mark the entrance to the other world and the beginning of the path that the souls of the dead traveled after their bodies were mummified. Thus, Anubis represented comfort and guidance for the dead on their journey to the afterlife and was considered a symbol of inner peace in the process of transitioning to another world.
However, sometimes the jackal is shown standing, in which case he is known in ancient Egyptian as wb wꜣwt, which means “way-opener” or “one who opens the way” (wb wꜣwt). This was an important symbol for the jackal when it was thought to open the way for the king, the sun god, or even armies on the move. The repeated image of this symbol indicated its pivotal role in facilitating movement and opening roads.
The wb wꜣwt was always depicted as a jackal, but in a standing position rather than lying down as in the previous case. The color of the jackal in this case was usually yellow, its natural color in the physical world, which was considered to signify its earthly role. This color reflected his association with the earthly world, as opposed to black, which was associated with the afterlife and death.
In this context, he was always depicted alone in front of royal processions to clear the way for them, reflecting his status as a protector and facilitator of movement, whether physical movement as in the march of the king or the army, or even spiritual movement in the battle against the forces of chaos. He was also sometimes depicted in groups of jackals.
These groups of jackals were pulling the sun boat across the sky, with the important task of opening up the eastern horizon of the sky, so that the sun boat could travel across the eastern horizon and reach the underworld. This image represented the daily cycle of life, as it was believed that the sun had to pass through the eastern horizon to start a new day on earth, just as souls were believed to begin their journey in the next world.
Although dogs were not highly revered in ancient Egyptian civilization compared to some other animals, the idea of opening the way was strongly associated with the god (wb wꜣwt) or “conqueror of the way”. In the Late Period, a relationship between this deity and both dogs and wolves emerged. Dogs, despite being rarely revered creatures in ancient Egyptian beliefs, were used as a living example to symbolize the same role as the jackal. Especially in the Abydos region, which was considered a center for the worship of the god wb wꜣwt, dogs and wolves were depicted as a symbol of this god who opens roads and facilitates transportation.
Because the jackal belongs to the canine family, dogs sometimes symbolized the same idea in ancient Egypt. This association between dogs and jackals reflected the idea of concretely opening the way, both in the mundane world and in the afterlife. This is why archaeologists have discovered many dog burials in Egypt, as a symbol of idols that open the way to the afterlife. This shows that the ancient Egyptians paid special attention to opening the passages between the different worlds, be it life or death, and dogs and wolves were considered as means of transporting and guiding souls on this sacred journey.
In the end, the jackal remains a unique symbol in ancient Egyptian civilization, as it was associated with an important role in Egyptians' spiritual legacies and religious rituals. Through this animal, it embodies the profound idea of opening pathways between worlds, emphasizing the deep belief that life and death are continuous journeys, guiding souls through the corridors of time.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Jackal in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, an important type of sacred symbols appeared from the beginning of historical times: wolves, foxes, and the jackal. As an essential part of the Egyptian environment, the jackal was an animal that was closely associated with life in the desert. The animal had an exceptional ability to adapt to the harsh desert environment, making it a symbol of resourcefulness and the ability to survive in the most difficult conditions. Therefore, the ancient Egyptians associated it with the idea of survival and wise planning.
The jackal is a carrion eater, and this animal is highly intelligent, as it is considered one of the creatures that live in semi-arid environments, and its yellow color resembles the color of sand, which makes it harmonize with the surrounding environment.
 |
| Anubis and the Jackal Symbols of Death and Protection |
| Aspect | Symbolic Meaning | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|
| Survival & Intelligence | Adapted to desert life with hidden burrows and clever behavior | Reflected resilience and resourcefulness in harsh conditions |
| Afterlife Guidance | Jackal seen as a guide for souls traveling to the next world | Symbolized safe passage and protection for the dead |
| Anubis | Black jackal-god, guardian of tombs and master of mummification | Linked death to resurrection and the promise of new life |
| Wepwawet | “Opener of Ways,” jackal who led kings, armies, and the sun | Embodied divine guidance and the removal of obstacles |
| Dogs & Wolves | Sometimes associated with the jackal’s symbolic role | Extended the idea of guardianship and path-opening |
The Jackal’s Burrow and Its Mythological Significance
The burrow of this animal is characterized by a unique feature, as it contains more than one door, sometimes reaching about five or six doors, to give it the ability to escape easily if someone tries to hunt it. This form of resourcefulness and intelligence has made the jackal a symbol of strength in the face of environmental challenges.
The Jackal as a Guide of Souls in the Afterlife
The ancient Egyptians considered the jackal to be a symbol of intelligence and discernment, as they believed it knew the ways of the afterlife and the entrances and exits of the other world. It was seen as a wise being who understood the secrets of life and death, and knew the paths that humans take after death. In addition, they believed that the jackal possessed the ability to understand the ins and outs of roads in everyday life as well, whether these roads were in the physical world or in the spiritual world. This belief in the jackal made it a symbol of assistance in the transition from this life to the afterlife, which earned it a special place in ancient Egyptian beliefs, where it was portrayed as a guide for souls on the journey from the world of the living to the world of the dead.
For more about the god Anubis and his role in ancient Egypt
Anubis the Jackal-God: Guardian of Tombs and the Dead
Two types or forms of this particular animal appeared to us. The first is the animal called Anubis, which is considered an important symbol in ancient Egyptian beliefs. Anubis is actually a jackal, but it is characterized by two important features. First, he is depicted in a recumbent position, which indicates his connection to the afterlife and the comfort that the deceased must experience after death. The second characteristic is his black color, a color that has been closely associated with mummification and death.
 |
| Anubis in a recumbent position |
Infographic — The Jackal in Ancient Egyptian Religion
🧭 Guide of Souls
Seen as a pathfinder who led the dead safely to the afterlife.
⚫ Anubis
Black jackal-god of mummification and tomb protection.
🚪 Wepwawet
“Opener of Ways” clearing paths for kings, armies, and the sun.
🕳️ Burrow Wisdom
Multi-exit burrows symbolized escape, caution, and foresight.
🐕 Canine Links
Dogs and wolves echoed the jackal’s role in ritual guardianship.
© historyandmyths.com — Educational use
The Sacred Meaning of Black in Anubis and Egyptian Belief
The name Anubis is derived from the ancient Egyptian verb “inpw”, which means “that which helps to decompose” or “that which is associated with black color”. This name is associated with the color of the mummy after the mummification process, as the body turns black due to chemical reactions with the substances used in mummification. The color black had a special significance in Egyptian cultures, as it was considered the color of new life after death. As such, Anubis is the god of mummification and death, symbolizing assistance in the soul's passage to the afterlife.
Life After Death in Ancient Egyptian Beliefs
Ancient Egyptians noticed that after a person died, began the mummification process, and was buried in Natron salt, the deceased's body turned black, a color that was closely associated with death and the passage to the afterlife. This observation led Egyptians to associate this transformation with the god Anubis, who was considered the master of the entrances to the afterlife.
To learn more about evil symbols in ancient Egypt
Anubis and Mummification: God of Embalming and Transition
Anubis was the main deity of the priests who specialized in mummification, as the deity was believed to guide the souls during the transition from this life to the afterlife. Therefore, the color black was considered a symbol of mortality, but it also carried a connotation of resurrection and immortality, as it was considered the color of the body after the mummification process.
Anubis became a symbol of the entrance to the other world, and was depicted at the gates of tombs as a recumbent, guardian figure standing at the entrance that separates life from death. This depiction was meant to mark the entrance to the other world and the beginning of the path that the souls of the dead traveled after their bodies were mummified. Thus, Anubis represented comfort and guidance for the dead on their journey to the afterlife and was considered a symbol of inner peace in the process of transitioning to another world.
Wepwawet the “Opener of Ways” and His Role Beside Anubis
However, sometimes the jackal is shown standing, in which case he is known in ancient Egyptian as wb wꜣwt, which means “way-opener” or “one who opens the way” (wb wꜣwt). This was an important symbol for the jackal when it was thought to open the way for the king, the sun god, or even armies on the move. The repeated image of this symbol indicated its pivotal role in facilitating movement and opening roads.
The wb wꜣwt was always depicted as a jackal, but in a standing position rather than lying down as in the previous case. The color of the jackal in this case was usually yellow, its natural color in the physical world, which was considered to signify its earthly role. This color reflected his association with the earthly world, as opposed to black, which was associated with the afterlife and death.
In this context, he was always depicted alone in front of royal processions to clear the way for them, reflecting his status as a protector and facilitator of movement, whether physical movement as in the march of the king or the army, or even spiritual movement in the battle against the forces of chaos. He was also sometimes depicted in groups of jackals.
These groups of jackals were pulling the sun boat across the sky, with the important task of opening up the eastern horizon of the sky, so that the sun boat could travel across the eastern horizon and reach the underworld. This image represented the daily cycle of life, as it was believed that the sun had to pass through the eastern horizon to start a new day on earth, just as souls were believed to begin their journey in the next world.
 |
| Anubis in a standing position |
Dogs, Wolves, and the Jackal’s Role in Egyptian Rituals
Although dogs were not highly revered in ancient Egyptian civilization compared to some other animals, the idea of opening the way was strongly associated with the god (wb wꜣwt) or “conqueror of the way”. In the Late Period, a relationship between this deity and both dogs and wolves emerged. Dogs, despite being rarely revered creatures in ancient Egyptian beliefs, were used as a living example to symbolize the same role as the jackal. Especially in the Abydos region, which was considered a center for the worship of the god wb wꜣwt, dogs and wolves were depicted as a symbol of this god who opens roads and facilitates transportation.
The Symbolic Burial of Dogs in Ancient Egypt
Because the jackal belongs to the canine family, dogs sometimes symbolized the same idea in ancient Egypt. This association between dogs and jackals reflected the idea of concretely opening the way, both in the mundane world and in the afterlife. This is why archaeologists have discovered many dog burials in Egypt, as a symbol of idols that open the way to the afterlife. This shows that the ancient Egyptians paid special attention to opening the passages between the different worlds, be it life or death, and dogs and wolves were considered as means of transporting and guiding souls on this sacred journey.
Conclusion: The Jackal as a Unique Symbol in Ancient Egyptian Religion
In the end, the jackal remains a unique symbol in ancient Egyptian civilization, as it was associated with an important role in Egyptians' spiritual legacies and religious rituals. Through this animal, it embodies the profound idea of opening pathways between worlds, emphasizing the deep belief that life and death are continuous journeys, guiding souls through the corridors of time.
For more about sacred symbols in ancient Egypt
- The Ibis Bird: Sacred Symbol of the God Thoth in Ancient Egypt
- Why the Falcon Symbolized Kingship in Ancient Egypt: God Horus
- The Lion Symbol in Ancient Egypt: Secrets You Didn't Know
- Sacred Symbols in Ancient Egypt: Animals, Gods, and Their Meaning
- Symbolism of Rams in Ancient Egyptian Religion: Khnum, Amun-Ra
- Sacred Cow Symbolism in Ancient Egypt: Myths, Gods, and Cosmology
Key Takeaways
- The jackal symbolized survival, intelligence, and adaptation in harsh desert life.
- Anubis, the black jackal-god, embodied mummification, death, and resurrection.
- Wepwawet, the “Opener of Ways,” guided kings, armies, and the sun itself.
- Burrows with many exits symbolized caution, escape, and hidden knowledge.
- Dogs and wolves extended the jackal’s role as guardians and path-openers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the jackal important in ancient Egyptian religion?
It symbolized intelligence, survival, and the ability to guide souls into the afterlife.
What is the connection between Anubis and the jackal?
Anubis was depicted as a black jackal, representing death, mummification, and protection of tombs.
What did the jackal’s burrow symbolize in mythology?
Its multiple exits symbolized foresight, escape, and resourcefulness in life and death.
What does the color black mean in Anubis’s imagery?
Black symbolized death, but also rebirth and the promise of eternal life after mummification.
Who was Wepwawet and how did he differ from Anubis?
Wepwawet was the standing jackal, “Opener of Ways,” while Anubis was linked to tombs and embalming.
How did jackals guide souls to the afterlife?
They were imagined as knowing hidden paths, leading the deceased into the next world.
Were dogs and wolves also sacred in ancient Egypt?
In some regions, especially Abydos, dogs and wolves were linked to Wepwawet’s role.
Why were dogs buried in ancient Egypt?
They symbolized guardianship and path-opening, echoing the jackal’s sacred role.
What role did the jackal play in funerary rituals?
It was central in mummification, tomb protection, and rituals guiding souls beyond death.
How was the jackal linked to the sun’s journey?
Groups of jackals pulled the solar boat across the sky, opening the eastern horizon.
References
- Hornung, Erik. Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: The One and the Many. Cornell University Press, 1982.
- Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson, 2003.
- Dunand, Françoise & Zivie-Coche, Christiane. Gods and Men in Egypt: 3000 BCE to 395 CE. Cornell University Press, 2004.
- Teeter, Emily. Religion and Ritual in Ancient Egypt. Cambridge University Press, 2011.
- Assmann, Jan. Death and Salvation in Ancient Egypt. Cornell University Press, 2005.
- Ikram, Salima. Divine Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt. American University in Cairo Press, 2005.
- Hart, George. A Dictionary of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses. Routledge, 2005.
Written by H. Moses — All rights reserved © Mythology and History
